Commission on Human Rights

The Commission has 15 members. The members are appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council. The members are men and women who are broadly representative of the diverse population of the County. Each member serves a 3-year term. The Executive designates a member of the Commission to be chair. The Commission may elect other officers, as it deems necessary. Three members of the Commission serve on the Case Review Board which handles appeals and hearings for discrimination complaints.

The Commission must meet at least once a month for nine months in each calendar year.Eight members of the Commission who are qualified to vote constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and a majority vote of those present at a meeting is required for any official action by the Commission.

The Commission's duties mandate that it work to eliminate discrimination, prejudice, intolerance, and bigotry in housing, recreation, education, health, employment, public accommodations, and justice, regardless of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, genetic status, presence of children, or source of income, and promote goodwill, cooperation, understanding and human relations among all residents.The members of the Commission serve without compensation.

The Commission meets at 7:00 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at the Office fo Human Rights, 21 Maryland Avenue, Suite 330, in Rockville. Meetings are open to the public. Please call the Office of Human Rights at 240-777-8450 to confirm.

Human Rights Commission Activities

Chief Tom Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department attends the Montgomery County Human Rights Commission to share his vision on public safety in a changing diverse community.

From Right to left is: Chief Tom Manger, Montgomery County Police Department, Ruth Martin, James Stowe, Director, Anis Ahmed, Staff Support

Chief Tom Manger of the Montgomery County Police Department attends the Montgomery County Human Rights Commission to share his vision on public safety in a changing diverse community. Montgomery County in the most recent census became a majority minority county with 51.7 % of the population now minority and people of color. Chief Manger has worked with great purpose to insure all segments of the community are safe, treated with dignity and respect by police and that the police department continues to work to insure that the depart rank and file reflects the growing diversity of the County. Chief Manger then addressed questions from Commissioners.